Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia (sometimes referred to as "man boobs") is a common condition that causes boys' and men's breasts to swell and become larger than normal. It is most common in teenage boys and older men.

Breast reduction surgery is usually done under general anaesthetic. In some cases, local anaesthetic with sedation may be used.

The operation involves:

•   making a cut around the nipple

•   removing excess fatty tissue with a scalpel or using liposuction to suck it out repositioning the nipples if a lot of tissue needs to be removed

You'll have dressings over your wounds.

Hormone imbalance​

Gynaecomastia can be caused by an imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. Oestrogen causes breast tissue to grow. While all men produce some oestrogen, they usually have much higher levels of testosterone, which stops the oestrogen from causing breast tissue to grow.

If the balance of hormones in the body changes, this can cause a man's breasts to grow. Sometimes, the cause of this imbalance is unknown.

​

Obesity

Being obesite a common cause of gynaecomastia – this is because being overweight can increase levels of oestrogen, which can cause breast tissue to grow. If you're overweight you're also more likely to have excess fat that can enlarge the breast tissue. For some people losing weight or doing more exercise can help but this may not always improve the condition.

​

Newborn baby boys

Gynaecomastia can affect newborn baby boys, because oestrogen passes through the placenta from the mother to the baby. This is temporary and will disappear a few weeks after the baby is born.

​

Puberty

During puberty, boys' hormone levels vary. If the level of testosterone drops, oestrogen can cause breast tissue to grow. Many teenage boys have some degree of breast enlargement. Gynaecomastia at puberty usually clears up as boys get older and their hormone levels become more stable.

​

Older age

As men get older, they produce less testosterone. Older men also tend to have more body fat, and this can cause more oestrogen to be produced. These changes in hormone levels can lead to excess breast tissue growth.

Gynecomastia surgery candidates include:

•   Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments

•   Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing

•   Nonsmokers and non-drug users

•   Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

•   Men who are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight

•   Men who have realistic expectations

•   Men whose breast development has stabilized

•   Men who are bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too large

A preliminary consultation will be done from your pictures and medical background. Then upon request we can organise an online consultation for you before you arrive. Once you are here you will have your consultation with the doctor. During your consultation you can get answers to all your questions. We are never in a hurry and listen to all your questions and doubts.

In your consultation you need to discuss with your doctor these topics:

•   The reason that you want to have your operation

•   Your expectations and the desired outcome

•   If you have any medical conditions, any drug allergies and previous medical treatments

•   If you are using any medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

Your plastic surgeon will also:

•   Evaluate your health status

•   Examine your breasts

•   Take your photographs

•   Speak with you about the options and give recommendation

•   Discuss likely outcomes of gynecomasty and any risks or potential complications

A gynecomastia procedure might be performed in 3 different ways.

First of all it always starts with anesthesia. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

First method is liposuction technique. In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions.

The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction. There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Another way is excision technique. This technique is recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

During your gynecomastia surgery recovery period, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimalize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Once you contact us we will ask for your pictures and information regarding your medical background. After discussing with the doctor what operation will suit you the most we will prepare your personalized offer. We will find an available date for you and help you through all the booking procedure. Please feel free to contact us.